Kansas State announced on Sunday that head coach Jerome Tang is being terminated for cause. The decision follows a clause in his contract that penalizes actions bringing “public disrepute, embarrassment, ridicule” to the university. Athletic officials delivered the notice after the Wildcats fell 78‑64 to No. 3 Houston, extending their Big 12 slide.

The Wildcats entered conference play 1‑11, a stark contrast to Tang’s debut season when Kansas State reached the Elite Eight and posted a program‑record 26 wins. A viral rant after a home loss to Cincinnati, in which he declared the players “embarrassed” the university, preceded the decision and sparked fan protests, including masked student sections.

In February 2023 Tang secured a contract extension through the 2029‑30 season, leaving nearly $19 million guaranteed on the books. Despite that financial commitment, the Wildcats posted a 10‑15 overall record and finished tied for last in the Big 12 last season. Prior to Kansas State, Tang spent two decades as an assistant under Scott Drew at Baylor.

With the program now at the bottom of the conference, Kansas State faces an urgent coaching search as the season approaches its final stretch. Alumni and donors express concern over the abrupt departure, fearing it could hamper recruiting and ticket sales. The university will likely appoint an interim coach while evaluating long‑term options.